We all know our skin tone – that light or dark shade that graces our faces. But hidden beneath lies another layer, a subtle whisper of color called our undertone. Unlike skin tone, which can shift with seasons and sun, undertone is a constant melody, a unique fingerprint of your inner glow.
Imagine skin tone as the canvas, a beautiful expanse of light or dark. Undertone, then, is the brushstroke, the hidden hue that adds depth and dimension. It could be a hint of warm peach, a cool olive whisper, or even a neutral harmony.
This inner shade plays a crucial role in your beauty game. It’s the secret language that guides you to colors that make you shine, from the perfect lipstick to the most flattering foundation. Knowing your undertone is like unlocking a treasure chest of confidence, empowering you to make informed choices that enhance your natural beauty. So, scroll down and check out how to identify your skin’s undertone for easier makeup shopping.
WHAT’S AN UNDERTONE?
Your skin’s undertone is the tone beneath the surface of your skin that harmonizes with whatever makeup you apply over it. Think of it as the harmony beneath the melody, the subtle whisper that makes your makeup sing.
Getting it right is like unlocking a magic spell. Foundation, concealer, and powder effortlessly blend, becoming one with your skin. But get it wrong, and suddenly your makeup is a walking “don’t-list.”
Here’s the beauty – undertone isn’t about labels like warm, cool, or neutral. It’s about embracing your unique color story, regardless of your skin tone! Deep, medium, or light – every shade family can sing the melody of any undertone.
THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING YOUR UNDERTONE
Ever feel like foundation shades are playing hide-and-seek? Knowing your undertone can be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for! It’s not just about finding the perfect match; it’s about creating a seamless, harmonious blend that makes your skin sing.
Think of your undertone as the hidden melody beneath your surface skin tone. It whispers of warm peach, cool olive, or even a neutral balance. Discovering this inner color story is key to choosing foundation and concealer that truly sings in tune with your complexion.
No more dreaded demarcation lines! Mismatched shades are a thing of the past when you understand undertone harmony. Imagine your foundation flowing seamlessly from your face down to your neck, canceling out redness and revealing a radiant, unified complexion.
So, why settle for neutral or cool foundations when you’re a warm soul? Or vice versa? Choosing the wrong undertone can leave your skin looking ashy, gray, or even oxidized – a beauty faux pas easily avoided with a little undertone knowledge.
TYPES OF UNDERTONES
WARM
Warm undertones have yellow, golden, or peachy hues. People with warm undertones often have hair that is naturally light to medium brown, red, or honey blonde, and eyes that are green, hazel, brown, or amber. Their skin may tan easily and have a yellowish or golden cast.
COOL
Think icy glaciers and winter skies when it comes to cool undertones. Pink, blue, and soft red hues dance beneath the surface. Their hair may be ash blonde, black, or platinum blonde, framing captivating blue, grey, or green eyes. Sun protection is key for their delicate skin, prone to a pinkish or bluish cast.
NEUTRAL
Neutral undertones embrace the best of both worlds, a harmonious blend of warm and cool pigments. This chameleon group rocks any hair or eye color, with skin tones ranging from light and milky to medium and rich, or even deep and toasty. Sun exposure can go either way, depending on the individual.
HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR UNDERTONE
THROW ON A WHITE PAPER
Find a sun-drenched spot and grab a trusty white companion, a pristine scarf or clean paper will do. Hold it near your face and let the natural light reveal its secrets. Is your skin kissed by a cool, pinkish glow? Then you’re part of the “cool-toned” crew! Think icy blues and soft berry shades. Does your complexion bask in a warm, golden light? Welcome to the “warm-toned” tribe, where golden yellows and rich olive greens will dance on your skin. But what if both white and cream sing sweetly? You might be the lucky one with the chameleon-like “neutral undertones,” at home in any shade. Remember, this is just the first chapter in your color story. Experiment, play, and discover the shades that make your confidence bloom!
CONSIDER YOUR SKIN’S REACTION TO THE SUN
Sun exposure is very telling when it comes to figuring out your skin undertone. Think rosy blushes after sunbeams? You’re likely a cool-toned soul, best friends with icy blues and berry shades. Embrace the golden tan? Welcome to the warm-toned tribe, where corals and olives dance on your sun-kissed skin. But what if you tango between burns and tans? You, my friend, might be the adaptable chameleon with neutral undertones, rocking any shade with confidence. Remember, sun exposure is just a hint, not the whole story. Veins, jewelry, and how colors make you feel weave the rest of the tale
TRY ON SOME JEWELRY
This is very subjective, but comparing how gold versus silver jewelry looks against your skin can be a helpful way to figure out your undertone. Gold jewelry tends to be most flattering on warmer skin tones while silver is mostly flattering on cool tones. If you don’t discriminate between gold or silver, then you might have neutral undertones—or maybe you just love all jewelry, which we’re not mad about.
CHECK THE COLOR OF YOUR VEINS
While checking wrist veins offers a quick hint, for a more accurate undertone assessment, peer deeper. Look for the color of veins across your face and neck. Blue veins point to cool undertones, while green (especially in olive skin) suggests warmth. If both blues and greens peek through, you’ve likely got a delightful mix of both, making you a neutral undertone chameleon!
CONSIDER FEATURES LIKE YOUR EYE AND HAIR COLOR
Feeling lost in the undertone undercurrent? Don’t worry! While veins hold clues, let’s dive deeper. Think of your stunning peepers and locks! Eye and hair color can have any undertone buddy, but here’s a tip: sun-kissed complexions and darker eye depths often lean warm, like a cozy fire. Conversely, porcelain skin and lighter eyes often gravitate towards the cool camp, like a refreshing ocean breeze. But remember, these are just generalizations, dear adventurer!
FINDING THE BEST COLOR PALETTE FOR YOUR UNDERTONE
- Very Fair: Fair skin tends to be neutral or cooler undertones. Cooler-toned shades such as taupe, beige, and soft pinks complement this undertone.
- Light: Skin that’s light but not as fair look best in cooler-toned shades that are more soft and neutral such as grays and deeper beiges.
- Medium: This skin tone usually has the ability to go with both warmer and cooler colors.
- Olive: Like medium, olive can also do both warmer and cooler shades, though Sesnek recommends adding more vivid colors, as olive skin tones can usually handle it.
- Tan: This skin tone looks great with warmer shades like bronze as well as warmer tones such as orange.
- Medium to Dark: Skin can go both cool and warmer in color.
- Deep: This skin tone can go both cool and warm in color. Going more vivid with color can really pop against this skin tone
FINAL TAKEAWAY
In the same way understanding your skin undertone unlocks a world of color choices, determining your face shape empowers you to find hairstyles and glasses that flatter your features. By using the tips in this article, you can confidently determine if your undertone is warm, cool, or neutral. Remember, some people may have a combination of warm and cool tones, and that’s perfectly okay!
